THE  GIFT  OF 

FLORENCE  V.  V.  DICKEY 

TO  THE 

UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA 
AT  LOS  ANGELES 


THE  DONALD  R.  DICKEY 

LIBRARY 
OF  VERTEBRATE  ZOOLOGY 


BULLETIN   OF  THE  DEPARTMENT     OF     GEOLOGY     AND    NAT- 
URAL HISTORY,  COLGATE  UNIVERSITY. 


BIRDS   OF   MADISON   COUNTY 


NEW  YORK 


GEORGE  CHARLES   EMBODY,  B.  S. 


HAMILTON,  N.  Y. 
1901 


{LUKBIBD  AT  NEST-HOLE 

Photo  from  Life  by  th* 


BULLETIN  OF  THE  DEPARTMENT     OF     GEOLOGY     AND    NAT- 
URAL HISTORY,  COLGATE  UNIVERSITY. 


BIRDS    OF    MADISON    COUNTY 


NEW  YORK 


GEORGE  CHARLES  EMBODY,  B.  S., 


ASSOCIATE    MEMBER    A.    0.    U. 


PRESENTED    AS    A    THESIS    FOR    THE    DEGREE    OF   MASTER    OF    SCIENCE, 
COLGATE    UNIVERSITY,   NINETEEN    HUNDRED    ONE 


HAMILTON,  N.  Y. 
1901 


INTRODUCTION 


In  considering  the  Bird  fauna  of  a  district,  a  knowledge  of  the 
topography  and  other  physical  conditions  is  important.  The  region 
in  question  includes  all  of  Madison  county,  and  is,  roughly  speaking, 
in  the  center  of  New  York  state.  The  district  is  traversed  by 
rather  deep  fertile  valleys  seldom  exceeding  a  mile  in  breadth  and 
having  a  general  trend  of  north  and  south.  The  north-eastern 
boundary  upon  Oneida  county  forms  a  part  of  the  divide  between 
the  headwaters  of  the  Mohawk  and  Susquehanna  river  systems. 

Along  the  hill  slopes,  in  the  numerous  gorges  and  sometimes  on 
the  crests  of  the  hills,  one  sees  many  of  the  outcrops  of  rocks  of  the 
Hamilton  formation.  Many  of  those  appearing  on  the  crests  exhibit 
glacial  striae.  In  fact  the  whole  district  with  its  gentle  slopes,  well 
rounded  hills,  its  numerous  glacial  terraces,  its  morainic  deposits, 
its  mantle  of  till,  and  the  presence  of  multitudes  of  erratic  boulders, 
constitutes  a  typical  glaciated  region. 

The  northern  part  of  the  county  borders  on  Oneida  Lake.  A 
broad  sandy  beach  many  miles  in  extent  furnishes  an  abundance  of 
food  for  the  snipes,  sandpipers,  plovers  and  other  shore  birds,  while 
the  size  of  the  lake  is  such  as  to  attract  large  numbers  of  the  duck 
and  other  families  of  swimming  and  diving  birds.  While  any  bird 
taken  on  Oneida  Lake  or  its  shores  outside  of  Madison  county  may 
be  considered  a  part  of  the  fauna  of  that  county,  it  is  thought  best 
to  include  in  the  following  list  only  those  which  have  been  taken  in 
Madison  county  with  the  possible  exception  of  a  few  recorded  from 
Verona  Beach,  separated  only  by  a  small  stream.  The  presence  of 
five  or  six  small  lakes  a  mile  or  more  in  length  renders  the  interior 
of  the  county  also  favorable  to  a  limited  number  of  water  birds. 
But  as  these  bodies  of  water  usually  freeze  over  during  the  early 
frosts,  very  few  of  the  water  birds  may  be  found  during  the  winter 
months. 

It  will  not  be  out  of  place  to  locate  a  few  of  the  more  important 
lakes  and  ponds.  About  three  miles  north  of  Hamilton  are  two, 
known  locally  as  "Leland's  Ponds."  Upon  the  bottoms  of  these 


395941 


4  INTRODUCTION 

ponds  there  is  a  layer  of  mud  several  feet  thick,  which  contains  in- 
numerable small  molluscs.  During  the  dry  season,  great  numbers 
of  the  local  shore  birds  find  an  abundance  of  food  on  the  exposed 
bars.  Woodman's  pond,  about  one  mile  long  by  one-half  wide,  is 
situated  a  little  over  two  miles  due  north  of  Hamilton.  Fed  en- 
tirely by  springs,  this  pond  furnishes  the  water  supply  for  the 
above  named  village.  Along  the  west  side  a  small  marsh  may  be 
seen,  in  which  the  cat  tails  and  reeds  make  an  ideal  summer  home 
for  the  Long-billed  marsh  wren,  Virginia  rail,  and  Florida  gallinule. 
The  Madison  Reservoir,  about  two  miles  long  by  one- third  of  a  mile 
wide,  is  two  miles  north-east  of  Hamilton.  This  artificial  lake  fur- 
nishes part  of  the  water  supply  for  the  Erie  Canal.  In  autumn, 
when  the  water  is  low,  small  companies  of  shore  birds  feed  upon  the 
exposed  mud  flats. 

Five  miles  west  of  Hamilton  is  the  Lebanon  Reservoir,  about 
one  and  one-half  miles  long  by  a  half  mile  in  breadth.  A  few  shore 
birds  may  also  be  found  here  in  very  dry  seasons.  Lake  Earlville, 
though  small,  is  of  interest  from  the  fact  that  a  pair  of  Wood  duck 
reared  their  young  here  nearly  two  years  ago.  This  pond  is  found 
in  the  Chenango  Valley,  about  five  miles  south  of  Hamilton. 

Just  outside  of  Hamilton,  to  the  south,  one  encounters  a  bit  of 
low  land,  which  on  account  of  its  springy  nature  is  not  easily 
traversed.  The  north  end  is  comparatively  dry  during  the  summer 
and  may  be  cultivated  to  a  certain  extent,  but  after  the  first  quarter 
of  a  mile  this  gradually  merges  into  a  bottomless  bog,  extending  a 
mile  or  more  farther  south.  The  outlet  of  Woodman's  pond  finds 
its  course  here,  and  during  the  spring  and  fall  rains  it  partially 
floods  the  surrounding  territory,  making  excellent  cover  in  the  wet 
meadows  for  hundreds  of  the  Wilson's  snipe.  Great  numbers  of  the 
Blue  and  Green-winged  teal  visit  this  bog  to  feed  upon  the  wild 
celery  and  other  marsh  plants. 

The  climate,  as  well  as  the  dark  colored  moist  soil  of  our  val- 
leys, is  favorable  to  a  heavy  growth  of  vegetation.  In  every  val- 
ley one  may  find  thick,  almost  impenetrable  swamps  in  which  the 
orchids  and  pitcher  plants  flourish.  The  maximum  is  reached  about 
five  miles  east  of  Hamilton,  in  what  is  known  locally  as  the  Nine- 
Mile  Swamp.  In  this  large  swamp  are  chiefly  found  conifers, 
maples,  beech  and  elm.  Here  one  might  expect  to  find  some  of 
those  birds  which  occur  rarely  outside  of  large  wood  tracts. 


INTRODUCTION  0 

This  list  is  not  supposed  to  be  complete.  It  is  based  mostly 
upon  observations  by  the  writer  covering  the  period  from  1895  to 
1901.  Many  parts  of  the  district  have  been  but  partially  studied. 
If  surveyed  carefully,  they  would  undoubtedly  reveal  the  presence 
of  species  which  have  been  overlooked.  It  should  be  understood 
that  the  dates  of  arrival  and  departure  given  will  not  hold  true  for 
each  succeeding  year.  A  variation  of  five  or  six  days  either  way 
may  be  expected,  depending  upon  the  weather  conditions.  The 
dates  given  are  the  averages  of  those  taken  during  the  period  of 
observation.  Of  all  species  recorded,  unless  otherwise  stated,  (in 
which  case  the  authority  is  given),  one  or  more  individuals  have 
been  taken  by  the  writer,  whose  object  has  been  to  put  forth  an 
accurate  list  rather  than  one  great  in  numbers. 

I  beg  to  acknowledge  my  indebtedness  to  Professor  A.  P. 
Brigham  of  Colgate  University  for  his  constant  aid;  to  Mr.  Frank 
M.  Chapman  of  the  American  Museum  of  Natural  History,  for 
kindly  reviewing  the  list  and  for  corrections  and  valuable  sugges- 
tions ;  and  to  all  other  gentlemen  whose  names  appear  in  the  list, 
for  their  contributions.  I  am  especially  indebted  to  Mr.  Egbert 
Bagg,  of  Utica,  N.  Y.,  for  valuable  data  taken  from  the  Oneida 
Lake  region. 

The  following  publications  have  been  consulted  during  the  pre- 
paration of  the  list  : 

"Annotated  List  of  the  Birds  of  Oneida  County  and  its  Im- 
mediate Vicinity"  by  Wm.  L.  Ralph,  M.  D.,  and  Egbert  Bagg, 
Utica,  N.  Y.  [From  the  transactions  of  the  Oneida  Historical 
Society,  III,  101  ;  1886.] 

"Check  List  of  New  York  Birds"  by  Marcus  S.  Farr,  D.  S. 
[Bulletin  of  New  York  State  Museum  1900.] 

"The  American  Ornithologist's  Union  Check  List  of  North 
American  Birds,"  second  edition  1895. 

"The  Auk." 

"  Catalogue  of  the  Green  Smith  Museum,"  Peterboro,  N.  Y., 
1880. 

June  14,  1901. 


LIST. 

Order  PYGOPODES.     (Diving  Birds.} 

Family  PODICIPIDAE.     (Grebes.) 
A.  O.  U. 

1.  (2)     Colymbus  holboellii     (Reinh.). 

Holboell's  grebe. 

Rare  migrant.  One  female  taken  during  the  month  of 
April  on  Woodman's  Pond.  Now  in  Dr.  H.  S.  Gardiner's  collec- 
tion, Hamilton,  N.  Y.  One  male  was  brought  to  the  writer  for 
mounting,  taken  October  25,  1900,  on  Madison  Reservoir. 

2.  (3)     Colymbus  auritus    Linn. 

Horned  grebe. 

Rare  migrant,  formerly  not  uncommon.  One  female 
taken  on  Woodman's  Pond,  April  3rd,  1898. 

3.  (6)     Podilymbus  podiceps     (Linn.). 

Pied-billed  grebe. 

Very  common  Spring  and  Autumn  migrant.  A  few 
breed.  Often  seen  in  Winter.  One  male  found  in  a  snow-drift, 
after  a  severe  storm,  March  2nd,  1900. 

Family  GAVIIDAE.     (Loons.) 

4.  (7)     Gavia  imber     (Gunn.). 

Loon. 

An  uncommon  Winter  and  Spring  visitant. 

5.  (11)  Gavia  lumme    (Gunn.). 

Red-throated  loon. 

Rare  Winter  visitant.  One  female  found  frozen  in  the 
ice  on  Lake  Earlville,  Feb.  18,  1899,  now  in  the  ornithological  col- 
lection of  Colgate  University. 


BIED8    OP   MADISON    COUNTY  7 

Family  ALCIDAE.     (Auks,  Murres  and  Puffins.) 

6.  (31)  Urialomvia     (Linn.). 

Bruunieh's  murre. 

An  occasional  Winter  visitant.  Two  birds  taken  at 
Lake  Earlville,  November  26,  1900,  by  Mr.  Floyd  D.  Palmer  of 
Earlville,  N.  Y. 

Order     LONGIPENNES.     (Long-winged  swimmers.) 
Family  LARIDAE.     (Gulls  and  Terns.) 

7.  (43)     Larus  leucopterus    Faber. 

Iceland  gull. 

Rare  Winter  visitant.  One  record,  an  immature  speci- 
men taken  at  Peterboro,  Feb.  1,  1884,  Lawrence,  Auk  I,  240. 

8.  (51a)  Larus  argentatus  Smithsonianus    Coues 

American  herring  gull. 

Not  uncommon  from  Dec.  1st  to  April  1st,  on  the 
Chenango  River  and  the  local  lakes. 

9.  (60)     Larus  Philadelphia    (Ord.). 

Bonaparte's  gull. 

Common  migrant  at  Oneida  Lake.  One  male  taken  in 
May,  1875,  by  Mr.  Green  Smith,  Peterboro,  N.  Y.  Now  in  the 
famous  Green  Smith  collection. 

10.  (98)     Aestrelata  hasitata    (Kuhl). 

Black-capped  petrel. 

A  male  of  this  rare  straggler  was  taken  at  Verona 
Beach,  Oneida  Lake,  August  28,  1893.  Bagg.  Auk  Vol.  XI,  April 
1894. 

Order  ANSERES.     (Lamellirostral  swimmers.) 
Family  ANATIDAE.     (Ducks,  Geese  and  Swans. ) 

11.  (129)     Merganser  americanus    (Cass.). 

American  merganser. 

Very  common  migrant.     A  few  winter.     One  female 
taken,  in  June  1900,  on  Lebanon  Reservoir. 


8  BIRDS    OF    MADISON    COUNTY 

12.  (130)     Merganser  Senator    (Linn.). 

Red- breasted  merganser. 

Common  from  November  20  to  April  1st. 

13.  (131)     Lophodytes  cucullatus     (Linn.). 

Hooded  merganser. 

Rare  winter  visitant.  One  male  seen  February  11, 
1899. 

14.  (132)     Anas  boschas     Linn. 

Mallard. 

A  not  uncommon  Autumn  migrant. 

15.  (133)     Anasobscura    Gmel. 

Black  duck. 

A  common  Autumn  migrant.  Arrives  about  Sep- 
tember 15th.  Small  flocks  seen  Jan.  10th,  and  Feb.  5th,  1899,  on 
Chenango  River. 

16.  (139)     Nettion  carolinensis    (Gmel.). 

Green -winged  teal. 

Very  common  Autumn  migrant.  Arrives  about 
Sept.  1st,  departs  about  Oct.  20. 

17.  (140)     Querquedula  discors    (Linn.). 

Blue-winged  teal. 

Common  Spring  and  Autumn  migrant.  In  the  fall 
it  arrives  about  Sept.  1st,  departs  about  Oct.  20.  One  adult  male 
taken  June  5th,  1897. 

18.  (143)     Dafilaacuta     (Linn.). 

Pintail. 

An  uncommon  Autumn  migrant.  Arrives  about 
September  20th. 

19.  (144)     Aixsponsa     (Linn.). 

Wood  duck. 

Formerly  a  very  common  Summer  resident  about 
Woodman's  Pond.  A  pair,  I  am  told,  successfully  reared  their 
young  in  a  tree  at  Lake  Earlville,  May  1899. 


BIRDS    OF    MADISON    COUNTY  9 

20.  (146)     Aythya  americana     (Eyt.). 

Redhead. 

A  fairly  common  transient  visitant  at  Oneida  Lake. 

21.  (147)     Aythya  vallisueria    (Wils.). 

Canvas-back. 

A  transient  visitant  at  Oneida  Lake. 

22.  (148)     Aythya  marila     (Linn.). 

American  scaup  duck. 

Common  transient  visitant  at  Oneida  Lake. 

23.  (149)     Aythya  affinis     (Eyt.). 

Lesser  scaup  duck. 

A  not  uncommon  migrant  during  the  month  of 
November.  A  few  winter. 

24.  (151)     Clangula  clangula  americana    (Bonap.). 

American  golden-eye. 

A  very  common  migrant  during  early  Spring  and 
Fall.  A  number  remain  during  the  winter  months. 

25.  (153)     Charitonetta  albeola     (Linn.). 

Duffle-head. 

Not  uncommon  during  Fall  migrations. 

26.  (163)     Oidemia  americana    Swains. 

American  scoter. 

Rare  migrant.  One  taken  in  October,  many  years 
since,  by  Mr.  Green  Smith,  at  Peterboro,  N.  Y.  Now  in  the 
famous  Green  Smith  collection.  No  recent  record. 

27.  (167)     Erismatura  jamaicensis     (Gmel.). 

Ruddy  duck. 

Rather  common  transient  visitant  at  Oneida  Lake. 

28.  (172)     Branta  canadensis    (Linn.). 

Canada  goose. 

Common  migrant.  About  one  hundred  birds  were 
seen  Nov.  5,  1900,  upon  Madison  Reservoir. 


10  BIRDS    OF    MADISON    COUNTY 

29.  (174)     Branta  nigricans     (Lawr.). 

Black  brant. 

A  specimen  of  this  rare  bird  was  killed  at  Lewis 
Point,  Oneida  Lake,  October  30,  1891.  Bagg,  Auk  Vol.  XI, 
April,  1894. 

Order  HERODIONES.     (Herons,  Ibises,  etc.) 
Family  ARDEIDAE.     (Herons,  Bitterns,  etc.) 

30.  (190)     Botaurus  lentiginosus     (Montag.). 

American  bittern. 

Common  summer  resident.  Breeds.  Arrives  about 
May  1.  Departs  about  Nov.  6. 

31.  (191)     Ardetta  exilis    (Gmel.). 

Least  bittern. 

Although  very  common  in  some  counties  of  the 
state,  this  bird  is  rarely  seen  in  Madison  county.  One  male  taken 
May  30,  1897. 

32.  (194)     Ardea  herodias    Linn. 

Great  blue  heron. 

Common  summer  resident.  A  few  winter.  Dec.  5, 
1898,  Dec.  8,  1899,  Jan.  12,  1900,  Dec.  27,  1900,  are  some  winter 
records. 

33.  (201)     Ardea  virescens    Linn. 

Green  heron. 

A  very  common  summer  resident.  Breeds.  Small 
colony  found  May  21,  1897,  two  miles  northwest  of  Randallsville 
along  the  Chenango  river.  With  one  exception,  all  the  nests, 
which  were  very  loosely  built  of  coarse  sticks  and  without  lining, 
were  placed  in  thorn  apple  trees  from  eight  to  ten  feet  from  the 
ground.  The  number  of  eggs  per  set  in  the  nests  found  varied 
from  three  to  six.  The  birds  have  returned  to  the  same  locality 
every  year  since  they  were  first  discovered  by  the  writer,  but  in 
diminished  numbers. 


BIRDS    OF   MADISON   COUNTY  11 

Order  PALUDICOLAE.     (Cranes,  rails,  etc.) 
Family  RALLIDAE.     (Rails,  gallinules,  and  coots.) 

34.  (212)     Rallus  virginianus    Linn. 

Virginia  rail. 

Fairly  common  summer  resident.  Breeds.  Nest 
built  entirely  of  reeds,  containing  10  incubated  eggs  found  June  5, 
1897,  in  marsh  along  west  shore  of  Woodman's  Pond. 

35.  (214)     Porzana  Carolina    (Linn.). 

Sora. 

Common  transient  visitant.  Arrives  about  Sept. 
1st.  Departs  about  Oct.  5. 

36.  (219)     Gallinula  galeata    (Licht.). 

Florida  gallinule. 

Not  uncommon  summer  resident.     Breeds. 

37.  (221)     Fulica  Americana    Gmel. 

American  coot. 

Not  uncommon  in  September  on  Mud  Pond  and 
vicinity,  just  outside  and  south  of  Hamilton. 

Order  LIMICOLAE.      (Shore  birds.) 
Family  SCOLOPACIDAE.     (Snipes,  sandpipers,  etc.) 

38.  (224)     Steganopus  tricolor     Vieill. 

Wilson's  phalarope. 

One  specimen  taken  at  the  eastern  end  of  Oneida 
Lake  October  6,  1883.  R.  &  B.  List*  p.  112. 

39.  (228)     Philohela  minor     (Gmel.). 

American  woodcock. 

Formerly  very  common  summer  resident.  Very  few 
have  been  seen  within  the  last  three  years.  Breeds. 

*    Birds  of  Oneida  County,  by  Win.  L.  Ralph,  M.  D.  and  Egbert  Bagg,  from  the  Transactions 
of  the  Oneida  Historical  Society,  Vol.  Ill,  p.  101,  Utica,  N.  Y.,  1886. 


12  BIRDS    OP   MADISON    COUNTY 

40.  (230)     Gallinago  delicata     (Ord.). 

Wilson's  snipe. 

Common  transient  visitant.  Arrives  in  spring  about 
April  5th,  in  the  fall  about  September  19th,  and  departs  about 
Nov.  1st.  A  few,  however,  have  been  seen  as  late  as  December  10, 
(1898.) 

41.  (231)     Macrorhamphus  griseus    (Gmel.). 

Dowitcher. 

Two  birds  taken  at  the  eastern  end  of  Oneida  Lake 
Sept.  22,  1883.  R.  &  B.  List,  p.  112. 

42.  (234)     Tringa  canutus     Linn. 

Knot. 

A  young  bird  was  taken  at  Lewis  Point,  Oneida 
Lake,  August  26,  1891.  Bagg,  Auk  XI,  April,  1894. 

43.  (239)     Tringa  maculata    Vieill. 

Pectoral  sandpiper. 

Not  uncommon  transient  visitant.  Arrives  about 
August  25.  Departs  about  Oct.  1st. 

44.  (241)     Tringa  bairdii     (Coues). 

Baird's  sandpiper. 

A  not  uncommon  transient  visitant.  Arrives  about 
September  1st.  Departs  about  October  1st. 

45.  (242)     Tringa  minutilla    Vieill. 

Least  sandpiper. 

Fairly  common  transient  visitant.  Arrives  as  early 
as  August  10th.  Departs  the  latter  part  of  September. 

46.  (243a)   Tringa  alpina  pacifica    (Coues). 

Red-backed  sandpiper. 

Several  were  taken  at  Oneida  Lake,  October  5,  1881. 
R.  &  B.,  p.  113. 

47.  (246)     Ereunetes  pusillus     (Linn.). 

Semipalmated  sandpiper. 

Common  during  the  fall  migration.  Arrives  about 
August  25th.  Departs  about  November  1st. 


BIRDS    OP   MADISON    COUNTY  13 

48.  (248)     Calidris  arenaria    (Linn.). 

Sanderling. 

Common  transient  visitant  at  Oneida  Lake.  Arrives 
about  September  1st. 

49.  (251)     Limosa  haemastica     (Linn.). 

Hudsonian  godwit. 

One  bird  was  killed  near  Lewis  Point,  Oneida  Lake, 
September  7,  1891.  Bagg,  Auk  XI,  April,  1894. 

50.  (254)    Totanus  melanoleucus    (G-mel.). 

Greater  yellow-legs. 

Occasionally  seen  during  the  fall  migration. 

51.  (255)     Totanus  flavipes     (Gmel.). 

Yellow-legs. 

Not  uncommon  during  the  fall  migrations. 

52.  (256)     Helodromas  solitarius     (Wils.). 

Solitary  sandpiper. 

Very  common  transient  visitant.  Arrives  in  the 
spring  about  April  20th.  Departs  about  May  15th.  Arrives  in 
the  fall  about  August  25th.  Departs  about  October  10th. 

53.  (261)     Bartramia  longicauda    (Bechst.). 

Bartramian  sandpiper. 

Not  uncommon  summer  resident.     Breeds. 

54.  (263)      Actitis  macularia     (Linn.). 

Spotted  sandpiper. 

Very  common  summer  resident.  Breeds.  Arrives 
about  April  28th. 

Family   CHARADRIIDAE.     (Plovers.} 

55.  (272)     Charadrius  dominicus     Mull. 

American  golden  plover. 

Rare  transient  visitant.     Sept.  28,  1898. 


14  BIRDS    OF    MADISON   COUNTY 

56.  (273)     Aegialitis  vocifera     (Linn.). 

Killdeer. 

Very  common  summer  resident.     Arrives  as  early  as 
March  13th  (1899.)     Breeds. 

57.  (274)     Aegialitis  semipalmata    Bonap. 

Semipalmated  plover. 

Very    common     during     fall    migrations.       Arrives 
about  August  15th  and  departs  about  September  28. 

Order  GALLINAE.     (Gallinaceous  birds.) 
Family  TETRAONIDAE.     (Grouse,  partridges,  etc.) 

58.  (289)     Colinus  virginianus     (Linn.). 

Bob-white.      • 

None  recorded  since  1893.     Formerly  a  not  uncom- 
mon summer  resident. 

59.  (300)     Bonasa  umbellus     (Linn.). 

Ruffed  grouse. 

Very  common  resident.     Begins  nesting   about    the 
first  of  May. 

Order  COLUMBAE.     (Pigeons.} 
Family  COLUMBIDAE.     (Pigeons.) 

60.  (316)     Zenaidura  macroura    (Linn.). 

Mourning  dove. 

Rare.     One  bird  seen  April  28,  1896. 

Order  RAPTORES.     (Birds  of  prey .) 
Family   FALCONIDAE.     (Vultures,  falcons,  hawks,  eagles,  etc.) 

61.  (331)      Circus  hudsonius     (Linn.). 

,  Marsh  hawk. 

Common  summer  resident.      Breeds.      Nest  contain- 
ing five  incubated  eggs  found  June  23,  1900. 


BIRDS    OF    MADISON    COUNTY  15 

62.  (332)     Accipiter  velox     (Wils.). 

Sharp-shinned  hawk. 

Not  uncommon  summer  resident.     Breeds. 

63.  (333)     Accipiter  cooperii     (Bonap.). 

Cooper's  hawk. 

Not 'uncommon  summer  resident.     Breeds. 

64.  (334)     Accipiter  atricapillus    (Wils.). 

American  goshawk. 

Very  rare.  One  taken  by  Dr.  H.  S.  Gardiner  sev- 
eral years  ago,  now  in  his  collection.  No  recent  record. 

65.  (337)     Buteo  borealis     (Gmel.). 

Red-tailed  hawk. 

Common  summer  resident.  Less  common  during 
the  winter  months.  Begins  to  breed  about  April  5.  Nests  con- 
taining 3  slightly  incubated  eggs  each  found  in  hemlock  trees,  May 
2,  1896,  and  April  25,  1897.  This  species  frequently  returns  each 
year,  not  only  to  the  same  woods  but  to  the  same  tree  and  nest. 

66.  (339)     Buteo  lineatus     (G-mel.). 

Red-shouldered  hawk. 

Common  resident.  Begins  nest  building  about 
April  5.  Nests  containing  two  and  three  fresh  eggs  respectively 
found  April  21,  1897.  A  nest  containing  three  slightly  incubated 
eggs  found  May  15,  1897.  The  same  day,  one  red-shouldered  hawk 
was  observed  carrying  fine  material  to  a  nest  partially  completed. 
On  June  1,  this  same  nest  was  found  to  contain  two  slightly  in- 
cubated eggs. 

67.  (343)     Buteo  platypterus     (Vieill.). 

Broad-winged  hawk. 

Not  an  uncommon  summer  resident.  Breeds.  In 
the  stomach  of  one  taken  May  4,  1901,  were  found  the  following  : 
one  garter  snake  ten  inches  long,  one  large  black  spider,  one  grass- 
hopper and  fur  probably  from  a  field  mouse. 


16  BIRDS    OP    MADISON    COUNTY 

68.  (352)     Haliaeetus  leucocephalus     (Linn.). 

Bald  eagle. 

A  pair  usually  spend  the  summer  at  Lebanon  Reser- 
voir about  five  miles  west  of  Hamilton. 

69.  (357)     Falco  columbarius    Linn. 

Pigeon  hawk. 

A  transient  visitant  and  rarely  seen.  But  one 
male  taken  by  the  writer,  (October  2nd,  1900),  now  in  his  collection. 
The  crop  was  examined  and  found  to  contain  fur  and  bones,  prob- 
ably those  of  field  mice. 

70.  (360)     Falco  sparverius     Linn. 

American  sparrow  hawk. 

Common  resident.  Less  common  during  winter 
months.  Begins  nest  building  about  the  first  of  May.  Out  of 
several  stomachs  examined  by  the  writer,  the  greater  number  con- 
tained insects  and  remains  of  small  mammals.  Two,  only,  contain- 
ed feathers  and  other  bird  remains.  In  one  stomach  was  found  a 
small  garter  snake. 

71.  (364)     Pandion  haliaetus  carolinensis     (Gmel.). 

American  osprey. 

Occasionally  two  or  more  individuals  are  seen  upon 
the  ponds  of  this  locality  during  April.  (April  12,  15,  1899  ;  April 
20,  1900.) 

Family  BUBONIDAE.      (Homed  owls,  etc.] 

72.  (366)     Asio  wilsonianus     (Less.). 

American  long-eared  owl. 

Common  resident.      More  abundant  in  winter. 

73.  (367)     Asio  accipitrinus    (Pall). 

Short-eared  owl. 

Fairly  common  resident.     Breeds. 

74.  (368)    Syrnium  nebulosum    (Forst.). 

Barred  owl. 

Not  uncommon  during  the  winter  months.  One 
bird  was  brought  to  the  writer  December  1st,  1900,  which  was  shot 
by  a  farmer  just  outside  the  town  of  Hamilton. 


BIRDS    OP   MADISON    COUNTY  17 

75.  (372)    Nyctala  acadica    (Gmel.). 

Saw-whet  owl. 

Rarely  seen  in  Madison  county.  One  female  seen 
on  college  hill,  Hamilton,  N.  Y.,  May  6,  1896. 

76.  (373)     Megascops  asio    (Linn.). 

Screech  owl. 

Common  resident.  Breeds.  Of  several  stomachs 
examined  by  the  writer,  the  greater  number  contained  the  remains 
of  insects  and  small  mammals,  while  in  one  stomach  were  found 
feathers  of  the  Junco  hyemalis. 

77.  (375)    Bubo  virginianus    (Gmel.). 

Great  horned  owl. 

Not  uncommon  resident.  Breeds.  More  often  seen 
during  the  winter  months. 

78.  (376)     Nycteanyctea    (Linn.). 

Snowy  owl. 

Occasionally  seen  during  the  winter  months. 

Order  COCCYGES.     (Cuckoos,  etc.) 
Family  CUCULIDAE.     (Cuckoos,  etc.) 

79.  (387)     Coccyzus  americanus    (Linn.). 

Yellow-billed  cuckoo. 

Uncommon  summer  resident.     Breeds. 

80.  (388)    Coccyzus  erythrophthalmus    (Wils.). 

Black-billed  cuckoo. 

Common  summer  resident.  Begins  nesting  the 
latter  part  of  May.  Two  is  the  usual  number  of  eggs  in  completed 
sets  of  this  locality.  Often  three  eggs  are  found.  On  May  26, 
1897,  the  writer  found  a  nest  containing  the  very  large  complement 
of  six  fresh  eggs,  and  on  June  8,  1900,  another  nest  containing 
four  fresh  eggs  was  also  found. 

This  species  destroyed  great  numbers  of  the  Forest 
tent  caterpillar  (clisiocampa  disstria)  which  were  so  destructive  to 
the  foliage  of  the  shade  trees  of  Hamilton  during  the  spring  of  1899. 


18  BIRDS    OF   MADISON   COUNTY 

Family   ALCEDINIDAE.     (Kingfishers.} 

81.  (390)     Ceryle  alcyon     (Linn.). 

Belted  kingfisher. 

Very  common  summer  resident.  Arrives  about 
April  15,  departs  about  October  20.  Begins  nest  building  about 
the  first  of  May.  Two  or  three  excavations  are  generally  made  in 
sand  and  gravel  banks,  also  in  fresh  exposures  of  soil  before  one  is 
chosen  for  the  deposition  of  the  six  or  seven  white  eggs. 

Order  PICI.     ( Woodpeckers,  etc.) 
Family  PICIDAE.     (Woodpeckers.) 

82.  (393)     Dryobates  villosus     (Linn.) 

Hairy  woodpecker. 

Very  common  resident.     Breeds. 

83.  (394c)  Dryobates  pubescens  medianus    (Swains. ) 

Downy  woodpecker. 

Very  common  resident.     Breeds. 

84.  (402)     Sphyrapicus  varius     (Linn.) 

Yellow-bellied  sapsucker. 

Very  common  transient  visitant.  Arrives  about 
April  20th.  Departs  about  May  10th. 

85.  (405a)  Ceophloeus  pileatus  abieticola    Bangs. 

Northern  pileated  woodpecker. 

Rare.  One  male  taken  in  the  Nine-mile  Swamp  east 
of  Hamilton  during  the  fall  of  1897.  Now  in  Dr.  H.  S.  Gardiner's 
collection,  Hamilton,  N.  Y. 

86.  (406)     Melanerpes  erythrocephalus    (Linn.) 

Red-headed  woodpecker. 

Common  summer  resident.  Breeds.  One  occasion- 
ally winters. 


BIRDS    OP    MADISON    COUNTY  19 

87.  (409)    Melanerpes  carolinus    (Linn.) 

Red-bellied  woodpecker. 

Of  rare  and  irregular  occurrence.  One  recorded, 
March  8,  1898. 

88.  (41 2a)  Colaptes  auratus  luteus    Bangs. 

Northern  flicker. 

Very  common  summer  resident.  Nest  containing 
seven  eggs  found  by  the  writer  May  21,  1897,  in  a  natural  cavity  of 
an  apple  tree. 

Order  MACHROCHIRES.     (Goatsuckers,  swifts,  etc.) 
Family  CAPRIMULGIDAE.     (Goatsukers.) 

89.  (420)     Chordeiles  virginianus    (Gmel.). 

Nighthawk. 

Of  rare  occurrence.  One  taken  by  Mr.  Green  Smith, 
Peterboro,  N.  Y.,  August  23,  many  years  since.  One  seen  by  the 
writer  flying  over  Woodman's  Pond,  June  3,  1900. 

Family  MICROPODIDAE.     (Swifts.) 

90.  (423)     Chaetura  pelagica     (Linn.). 

Chimney  swift. 

Abundant  summer  resident.  Arrives  about  April 
20th.  Departs  about  September  1st.  Breeds  abundantly  in  the 
chimneys  of  the  college  dormitories  and  those  of  the  gymnasium.  On 
the  evening  of  June  15,  1900,  a  hundred  or  more  different  birds  were 
seen  to  drop  into  the  chimney  of  the  college  gymnasium,  probably 
to  roost.  For  a  number  of  years  a  pair  of  swifts  have  built  their 
nests  in  a  barn  at  Lake  Earlville.  The  nest,  composed  entirely  of 
dead  twigs  cemented  together,  has  always  been  fastened  to  the  side 
boards  very  near  the  peak  of  the  roof. 

Family  TROCHILIDAE.     (Humming  birds.) 

91.  (428)     Trochilus  colubris    Linn. 

Ruby-throated  humming  bird. 

Common  summer  resident.  Breeds.  Arrives  about 
May  15th.  Departs  about  Sept.  8th. 


20  BIRDS    OF   MADISON   COUNTY 

Order  PASSERES.     (Perching  birds.) 
Family    TYRANNIDAE.     (Tyrant  flycatchers.} 

92.  (444)    Tyrannus  Tyrannus    (Linn.). 

Kingbird. 

Common  summer  resident.  Breeds.  Arrives  about 
May  1st.  Departs  about  Sept.  25th. 

93.  (452)     Myiarchus  crinitus    (Linn.). 

Crested  fly-catcher. 

Common  summer  resident.  Breeds.  Arrives  about 
May  5th.  Departs  about  Sept.  1st.  More  abundant  in  the  wooded 
swamps. 

94.  (456)     Sayornis  phoebe    (Lath.). 

Phoebe. 

Very  common  summer  resident.  Breeds.  Arrives 
about  April  4th.  Departs  about  Oct.  10th. 

95.  (461)     Contopus  Virens     (Linn.). 

Wood  pewee. 

Common  summer  resident.  Breeds.  Arrives  about 
May  3.  Departs  about  Sept.  1st. 

96.  (463)     Empidonax  flaviventris    Baird. 

Yellow-bellied  fly-catcher. 

Not  very  common  summer  resident.  Arrives  about 
May  5th. 

97.  (466a)  Empidonax  traillii  alnorum    Brewst. 

Alder  flycatcher. 

Not  uncommon  summer  resident.  Breeds  sparingly 
in  the  alder  swamps  about  Hamilton.  Arrives  about  May  12th. 
Departs  about  Sept.  1st. 

98.  (467)    Empidonax  minimus    Baird. 

Least  flycatcher. 

Very  common  summer  resident.  Breeds.  Arrives 
about  May  1.  Departs  about  Sept.  5. 


BIRDS   OP   MADISON   COUNTY  21 

Family  ALAUDIDAE.     (Larks.) 

99.  (474)     Otocoris  alpestris     (Linn.). 

Horned  lark. 

An  uncommon  winter  visitant.  Occurs  in  flocks  of 
O.  alpestris  praticola  and  sometimes  in  company  with  Passerina 
hivalis. 

100.  (474b)  Otocoris  alpestris  praticola    Hensh. 

Prairie  horned  lark. 

Common  resident.  Breeds.  Large  flocks  may  be 
found  during  the  winter  feeding  in  places  where  the  ground  is  ex- 
posed. The  seeds  of  obnoxious  weeds  form  a  greater  part  of  their 
winter  diet. 

Family  CORVIDAE.    (Crows,  jays,  magpies,  etc.) 

101.  (477)     Cyanocitta  cristata    (Linn.). 

Blue  jay. 

A   fairly   common   resident.     Breeds.     More  abun- 
dant during  the  spring  and  autumn  migrations. 

102.  (488)    Corvus  americanus  aud. 

American  crow. 

An  abundant  resident.     Breeds. 

Family  ICTERIDAE.    (Blackbirds,  orioles,  etc.) 

103.  (494)     Dolichonyx  oryzivorus     (Linn.). 

Bobolink. 

A  very  common  summer  resident.     Breeds.     Arrives 
about  May  6th,  departs  about  Sept.  20th. 

104.  (495)     Molothrus  ater    (Bodd.). 

Cowbird. 

An  abundant  summer  resident.     Breeds.      Arrives 
about  April  1st,  departs  late  in  October. 

105.  (498)     Agelaius  phceniceus     (Linn.). 

Red-winged  blackbird. 

An  abundant  summer   resident.     Breeds.     Arrives 
about  March  20,  departs  late  in  October. 


22  BIRDS    OF    MADISON    COUNTY 

106.  (501)    Sturnella  magna     (Linn.). 

Meadowlark. 

Very  common  summer  resident.  Breeds.  A  few 
winter.  Jan.  15,  1899,  three  birds  were  flushed  out  of  the 
reeds  of  a  frozen  marsh.  On  Feb.  llth,  1899,  four  birds  were  found 
at  the  same  place,  and  Dec.  4th,  1900,  seven  birds  were  seen. 

107.  (506)     Icterus  spurius     (Linn.). 

Orchard  oriole. 

Of  rare  occurrence  in  Madison  county.  Two  birds 
(male  and  female)  were  taken  by  the  writer  May  26th,  1899,  and 
are  now  in  the  writer's  collection. 

108.  (507)     Icterus  galbula     (Linn.). 

Baltimore  oriole. 

An  abundant  summer  resident.  Breeds.  Arrives 
about  May  6th,  departs  about  Sept.  5th. 

109.  (509)     Scolecophagus  carolinus    (Mull.). 

Rusty  blackbird. 

Abundant  during  fall  migrations. 

110.  (511b)     Quiscalus  quiscula  aeneus  (Ridgw.). 

Bronzed  grackle. 

Common  summer  resident.  Breeds  among  the 
evergreens.  A  few  nests  have  been  found  in  the  low  alders  border- 
ing  the  outlet  to  Woodman's  Pond.  Arrives  about  April  1st. 

Family  FRINGILLIDAE.     (Finches,  sparrows,  etc.) 

111.  (515)    Pinicola  enucleator  canadensis     (Cab.). 

Pine  grosbeak. 

An  occasional  winter  visitant.  One  small  flock  seen 
Feb.  4,  1896.  Another  flock  of  seven  seen  Feb.  26,  1900.  Both 
flocks  appeared  after  severe  snow  storms. 

112.  (517)     Carpodacus  purpureus  (Gmel.). 

Purple  finch. 

Very  common  during  the  breeding  season.  Arrives 
about  April  15.  Not  often  seen  later  than  July  1st. 


BIRDS    OP    MADISON    COUNTY  23 

113.  (521)     Loxia  curvirostra  minor  (Brehm.). 

American  crossbill. 

An  occasional  winter  visitant.  After  a  severe  snow 
storm  on  Feb.  5th,  1896,  a  flock  of  a  hundred  or  more  was  seen 
shearing  off  the  maple  buds.  Another  flock  of  about  ten  birds  was 
seen  in  the  pines  Feb.  26,  1897.  May  15,  1899,  six  individuals  were 
noted  feeding  in  a  large  elm  tree.  These  birds  may  appear  at 
almost  any  time  during  the  year.  Seldom  are  they  seen  two  years 
in  succession.  The  interval  between  two  appearances  may  be  five 
or  even  ten  years. 

114.  (528)    Acanthis  linaria  (Linn.). 

Redpoll. 

Common  winter  visitant,  more  especially  during  the 
February  storms.  February  28,  1900,  during  a  strong  south  wind 
and  a  moderate  fall  of  snow,  a  company  of  eight  or  more  birds  was 
seen,  mostly  males.  The  birds  kept  constantly  under  the  cover  of 
an  old  rail  fence. 

March  2,  1900,  brought  many  large  flocks  of  red- 
polls. On  the  evening  of  Feb.  28,  there  had  been  a  heavy  fall  of 
snow,  followed  by  a  drenching  rain.  The  trees  and  weeds  were 
coated  with  a  thin  layer  of  ice,  which  made  the  struggle  for  food 
somewhat  difficult.  A  walk  of  a  mile  or  more  on  March  2,  disclosed 
the  presence  of  from  three  to  four  hundred  redpolls  feeding  along 
the  fences. 

115.  (529)    Astragalinus  tristis     (Linn.). 

American  goldfinch. 

An  abundant  summer  resident.  Breeds.  Occasion- 
ally seen  in  winter. 

116.  (533)     Spinus  pinus     (Wils.). 

Pine  siskin. 

A  rare  visitant.  A  company  of  a  dozen  or  more  was 
seen  in  the  hemlocks  on  college  hill  April  13,  1899. 

117.  (534)     Passerina  nivalis     (Linn.). 

Snowflake. 

CommoD  winter  visitant.  Abundant  during  the 
January  and  February  storms.  Earliest  seasonal  record,  Dec.  5th, 


24  BIRDS   OP  MADISON   COUNTY 

1900.  Latest  seasonal  record,  March  5th,  1900.  These  birds  do  an 
immense  amount  of  good  in  destroying  great  quantities  of  the  seeds 
of  troublesome  weeds. 

118.  (540)    Pooecetes  gramineus    (Gmel.). 

Vesper  sparrow. 

Very  common  summer  resident.  Breeds.  Earliest 
arrivals  appear  about  April  5th.  A  few  remain  as  late  as  Oct.  10th. 

119.  (542a)     Ammodramus  sandwichensis  savanna     (Wils.). 

Savanna  sparrow 

Common  summer  resident.  Breeds.  Arrives  about 
April  28. 

120.  (546)     Ammodramus  savannarum passerinus     (Wils.). 

Grasshopper  sparrow. 

Not  an  uncommon  summer  resident.  Breeds.  This 
species  has  often  been  considered  a  rare  bird  for  this  locality.  Spe- 
cial investigation  by  the  writer  during  the  spring  of  1900,  however, 
disclosed  numbers  of  these  birds  in  the  pastures  and  meadows  about 
Hamilton. 

121.  (549.1)    Ammodramus  nelsoni.     (Allen). 

Nelson's  sparrow. 

A  rare  transient  visitant.  Four  birds  were  seen  in 
a  marsh  just  outside  Hamilton,  Oct.  8,  1898,  two  of  which  were  in 
song.  One  male  captured,  now  in  the  writer's  collection.  Another 
bird  collected  in  the  same  marsh,  Oct.  17,  1900,  now  in  the  writer's 
collection. 

122.  (549. la)     Ammodramus  nelsoni  subvirgatus     (Dwight). 

Acadian  sharp-tailed  sparrow. 

A  rare  transient  visitant.  One  male,  closely  ap- 
proaching this  variety,  taken  Oct.  8th,  1898,  now  in  writer's  col- 
lection. 

123.  (554)     Zonotrichia  leucophrys     (Forst.). 

White-crowned  sparrow. 

Fairly  common  transient  visitant.  Arrives  about 
May  5th.  Remains  until  May  25th.  In  autumn,  arrives  about 
Sept.  25 ;  remains  until  Oct.  5th. 


BIRDS    OF    MADISON    COUNTY  25 

124.  (558)     Zonotrichia  albicollis    (Gmel.)- 

White-throated  sparrow. 

Common  transient  visitant.  Arrives  about  May  1st; 
departs  about  May  25th  Arrives  in  fall  about  Sept.  20th;  departs 
about  Oct.  5th. 

125.  (559)     Spizella  monticola    (Gmel.). 

Tree  sparrow. 

An  abundant  spring  and  autumn  visitant.  Occas- 
ionally small  companies  are  seen  during  the  winter.  Arrives  about 
Oct.  10th;  departs  about  May  5th. 

126.  (560)    Spizella  socialis    (Wils.). 

Chipping  sparrow. 

An  abundant  summer  resident.  Arrives  about 
April  15th.  Breeds. 

127.  (563)     Spizella  pusilla    (Wils.). 

Field  sparrow. 

Common  summer  resident.  Breeds.  Arrives  about 
April  21st.  Becomes  very  common  about  May  5th. 

128.  (567)     Junco  hyemalis    (Linn.). 

Slate-colored  junco. 

Common  spring  and  autumn  visitant.  Occasionally 
winters.  Abundant  from  April  22nd  until  May  10th.  Arrives  from 
the  north  about  Oct.  1st. 

129.  (581)    Melospiza  melodia    (Wils.). 

Song  sparrow. 

An  abundant  summer  resident.  Breeds.  Rarely 
seen  in  winter.  Great  numbers  usually  arrive  about  March  25.  No 
definite  time  can  be  given  which  will  apply  to  each  succeeding  year. 
If  there  is  a  great  increase  in  temperature  and  consequently  a  sud- 
den disappearance  of  snow,  the  song  sparrows  may  appear  in  great 
numbers  as  early  as  February  25;  and  conversely,  if  the  cold,  stormy 
weather  remains  without  break  until  the  latter  part  of  March,  the 
birds  will  not  appear  until  about  April  1st.  Occasionally  one 
winters. 


26  BIRDS    OF    MADISON    COUNTY 

130.  (584)    Melospiza  georgiana    (Lath.). 

Swamp  sparrow. 

Common  summer  resident.  Breeds.  Arrives  about 
April  20th;  departs  sometime  between  October  25th  and  December 
1st,  according  to  weather  conditions. 

131.  (585)    Passerella  iliaca    (Merr.). 

Fox  sparrow. 

Common  transient  visitant.  Arrives  from  the  south 
about  April  28th;  remains  about  two  weeks.  Arrives  from  the 
north  about  October  8th;  departs  about  November  25th. 

132.  (595)     Zamelodia  ludoviciana    (Linn.). 

Rose-breasted  grosbeak. 

Common  summer  resident.  Breeds.  Arrives  about 
May  2nd. 

133.  (598)     Cyanospiza  cyanea    (Linn.). 

Indigo  bunting. 

Very  common  summer  resident.  Breeds.  Arrives 
about  May  10th. 

134  (608)     Piranga  erythromelas     Vieill. 

Scarlet  tanager. 

Fairly  common  summer  resident.  Breeds.  Arrives 
about  May  10th. 

Family  HIRUNDINIDAE     (Swallows.) 

135  (611)     Progne  subis     (Linn.). 

Purple  martin. 

Rarely  seen.  A  pair  seen  flying  around  an  electric 
arc  lamp,  May  30,  1900.  Later,  on  June  6,  of  the  same  year,  an- 
other pair  was  seen  at  the  same  place. 

136  (612)     Petrochelidon  lunifrons     (Say). 

Cliff  swallow. 

An  abundant  summer  resident.  Breeds.  Arrives 
about  April  30. 


BIRDS    OP    MADISON    COUNTY  27 

137  (613)     Hirundo  erythrogaster     Bodd. 

Barn  swallow. 

An  abundant  summer  resident.     Breeds.     Arrives 
about  April  25. 

138  (614)     Tachycineta  bicolor    (Vieill.). 

Tree  swallow. 

Common  summer  resident.      Breeds.      Arrives  the 
first  week  in  April. 

139  (616)    Clivicola  riparia    (Linn.). 

Bank  swallow. 

Common  summer  resident.      Breeds  abundantly   in 
the  freshly  exposed  sand  banks.     Arrives  about  April  25. 

140  (617)    Stelgidopteryx  serripennis  (Aud.). 

Rough-winged  swallow. 

Rarely  seen.     Records   are  as  follows  :  May  12  and 
20,  1898  ;  June  7,  1899,  and  May  13,  1900. 

Family  AMPELIDAE     (  Waxwings,  etc.). 

141  (618)     Ampelis  garrulus     Linn. 

Bohemian  waxwing. 

Occasional  winter  visitant.       A  company  of  eight 
birds  was  seen  February  4,  1896,  one  of  which  was  captured. 

142  (619)     Ampelis  cedrorum     (Vieill.). 

Cedar  waxwing. 

Very  common  summer   resident.     Breeds.     A  flock 
seen  nearly  every  winter. 

Family  LANIIDAE     (Shrikes). 

143  (621)     Lanius  borealis    Vieill. 

Northern  shrike. 

Not  uncommon  during  the  winter  months. 


28  BIRDS    OF   MADISON    COUNTY 

144  ( — )     Lanius  ludovicianus  migraus     Palmer 

The  summer  resident  shrike  of  this  locality  is  intermedi- 
ate between  the  white-rumped  and  the  loggerhead.  As  a  matter  of 
convenience,  the  above  name,  given  by  Mr.  Palmer,  may  be  accepted, 
although  the  form  has  no  characteristics  of  its  own. 

Fairly  common  summer  resident.  Breeds.  Arrives 
about  April  1. 

Family  VIREONIDAE     (Vireos.). 

145  (624)    Vireo  olivaceus    (Linn.). 

Red-eyed  vireo 

Very  common  summer   resident.      Breeds.      Arrives 
about  May  5.     Departs  about  Sept.  15. 

146  (626)     Vireo  philadelphicus    (Cass.). 

Philadelphia  vireo. 

Seen  occasionally  during  migrations.     Observed  May 
7,  1898,  May  4,  1900,  Sept.  16,  1900. 

147  (627)     Vireo  gilvus     (Vieill.). 

Warbling  vireo. 

An    abundant  summer  resident.     Breeds.     Arrives 
about  May  2.     Departs  about  Sept.  15. 

148  (628)     Vireo  flavifrons    Vieill. 

Yellow-throated  vireo. 

A  not  uncommon  summer  resident.      Arrives  about 
May  12.     Departs  about  Sept.  1st. 

149  (629b)    Vireo  solitarius  plumbeus     (Coues.) 

Plumbeous  vireo. 

Accidental.     One  recorded  Sept.  24,  1893,  at  Peter- 
boro  by  Mr.  Gerritt  S.  Miller,  Jr.      "  Auk"  Vol.  XI  No.  1.  P.  79. 

Family  MNIOTILTIDAE     (Wood warblers.). 

150  (636)     Mniotilta  varia     (Linn.). 

Black  and  white  warbler. 

Common  transient  visitant.      Arrives  about  May  6. 


BIRDS    OP    MADISON    COUNTY  29 

151  (645)    Helminthophila  rubricapilla    (Wils.). 

Nashville  warbler. 

Some  years  fairly  common  transient  visitant.  Ar- 
rives about  May  5.  Departs  May  15. 

152  (646)     Helminthophila  celata    (Say). 

Orange-crowned  warbler. 

Rare  transient  visitant.  One  male  taken  May  15, 
1899. 

153  (647)     Helminthophila  peregrina    (Wils.). 

Tennessee  warbler. 

Not  an  uncommon  transient  visitant.  Arrives  about 
May  8. 

154  (648a)     Compsothlypis  americana  usneae     Brewst. 

Northern  parula  warbler. 

Abundant  during  migrations.  A  few  remain  during 
the  summer.  Arrives  about  May  5. 

155  (650)    Dendroica  tigrina    (Gmel.). 

Cape  May  warbler. 

Rare  transient  visitant.  Four  of  these  birds  were 
seen  May  11,  1900,  two  of  which,  both  males,  were  captured,  now 
in  the  writer's  collection. 

156  (652)     Dendroica  aestiva     (Gmel.). 

Yellow  warbler. 

An  abundant  summer  resident.  Breeds.  Arrives 
about  May  2. 

157  (654)     Dendroica  caerulescens    (Gmel.). 

Black-throated  blue  warbler. 

Very  common  during  migrations.  A  few  remain 
during  the  summer.  Arrives  about  May  5. 

158  (655)     Dendroica  coronata     (Linn.). 

Myrtle  warbler. 

Common  transient  visitant.  Some  seasons  abun- 
dant. Arrives  about  April  25. 


30  BIRDS    OP    MADISON    COUNTY 

159  (657)    Dendroica  maculosa    (Gmel.). 

Magnolia  warbler. 

Common  transient  visitant.     Arrives  about  May  10. 

160  (658)     Dendroica  rara    Wils. 

Cerulean  warbler. 

Rare  summer  resident.    Arrives  about  May  15.    (Ob- 
served June  5,  12,  20,  1900.) 

161  (659)    Dendroica  pensylvanica     (Linn.). 

Chestnut-sided  warbler. 

Common  summer  resident.      Breeds.     Arrives  about 
May  10.     Nests  containing  fresh  eggs  may  be  found  about  June  1. 

162  (660)    Dendroica  castanea    (Wils.). 

Bay-breasted  warbler. 

Some  years  a  very  common  transient  visitant.     Ar- 
rives about  May  20. 

163  (661)    Dendroica  striata    (Forst.). 

Black-poll  warbler. 

An  abundant    transient    visitant.        Arrives    about 
May  20. 

164  (662)    Dendroica  blackburniae     (Gmel.). 

Blackburnian  warbler. 

Common  transient  visitant.     Arrives  about  May  5. 

165  (667)     Dendroica  virens  (Gmel.). 

Black-throated  green  warbler. 

Fairly  common  during  migrations.     Arrives  about 
May  10. 

166  (674)     Seiurus  aurocapillus     (Linn.). 

Oven-bird. 

Very  common  summer   resident.      Breeds.      Arrives 
about  May  5. 

167  (675)     Seiurus  noveboracensis    (Gmel.). 

Water  thrush. 

Common  during  migrations.      A  few  remain  to  breed. 
Arrives  about  May  2. 


BIRDS   OF   MADISON   COUNTY  31 

168  (679)     Geothlypis  Philadelphia     (Wils.). 

Mourning  warbler. 

A  rather  rare  transient  visitant.  Occasionally  seen 
during  the  summer.  Arrives  about  May  10. 

169  (681)     Geothlypis  trichas     (Linn.). 

Maryland  yellow-throat. 

Very  common  summer  resident.  Breeds.  Arrives 
about  May  2. 

170  (684)    Wilsonia  mitrata    (Gmel.). 

Hooded  warbler. 

Rare.  Two  individuals  seen  May  29,  1900,  one  of 
which  was  captured,  now  in  the  writer's  collection. 

171  (685)    Wilsonia  pusilla    (Wils.). 

Wilson's  warbler. 

An  uncommon  transient  visitant.  Arrives  about 
May  15. 

172  (686)     Wilsonia  canadensis     (Linn.). 

Canadian  warbler. 

Not  uncommon  during  migrations.  Arrives  about 
May  10. 

173  (687)     Setophaga  ruticilla     (Linn.). 

American  redstart. 

Very  common  summer  resident.  Breeds  abundantly. 
Arrives  about  May  5. 

Family  MOTACILLIDAE     (Wagtails.). 

174  (697)     Anthus  pensilvanicus     (Lath.). 

American  pipit. 

Transient  visitant.  Abundant  during  the  autumn 
months.  Arrives  from  the  north  about  September  20.  Remains  as 
late  as  November  6,  when  the  weather  permits. 


32  BIRDS    OP   MADISON    COUNTY 

Family  TROGLODYTIDAE     (Wrens,  thrashers,  etc.}. 

175  (704)    Galeoscoptes  carolinensis     (Linn.). 

Catbird. 

An  abundant  summer  resident.  Breeds.  Arrives 
about  May  10. 

176  (705)     Harporhynchus  rufus     (Linn.). 

Brown  thrasher. 

Rare.     One  male  seen  May  12,  1899. 

177  (721)     Troglodytes  aedon     Vieill. 

House  wren. 

Not  very  common  summer  resident.  Breeds.  Ar- 
rives about  May  5. 

At  present  this  species  seems  to  be  increasing  in 
numbers. 

178  (722)     Anorthura   hiemalis     (Vieill.). 

Winter  wren. 

Common  resident.  More  abundant  during  the 
spring. 

179  (725)    Cistothorus  palustris     (Wils.). 

Long-billed  marsh  wren. 

Common  summer  resident  in  the  marshes  along  the 
numerous  ponds  of  this  locality.  Breeds.  Arrives  about  May  15. 
Three  or  four  decoy  nests  are  generally  constructed  before  one  is 
chosen  for  the  deposition  of  the  (four  to  seven)  eggs. 

Family  CERTHIIDAE     (Creepers.}. 

180  (726)    Certhis  familiaris  americana     (Bonap.). 

Brown  creeper. 

Transient  visitant.  Abundant  in  spring  from  April 
1st  to  25th.  Has  been  taken  as  late  as  June  23,  1900.  Also  June 
19,  1899.  A  number  seen  every  winter,  Jan.  18,  1899,  Jan.  29, 
1900,  several  observed  Feb.  5,  1901. 


BIRDS    OP    MADISON    COUNTY  33 

Family  PARIDAE     (Nuthatches  and  tits.}. 

181.  (727)     Sitta  carolinensis    Lath. 

White-breasted  nuthatch. 

Very  common  resident.     Breeds.     Begins    nesting 
about  the  first  of  May. 

182.  (728)     Sitta  canadensis    Linn. 

Red-breasted  nuthatch. 

Some  years  common  from  about  October  10  until 
April  20. 

183.  (735)     Parus  atricapillus    Linn. 

Chickadee. 

An  abundant  resident.      Breeds.      Begins   nesting 
about  May  5. 

Family  SYLVIIDAE.     (Warblers,  kinglets,  gnatcatchers.) 

184.  (748)     Regulus  satrapa    Licht. 

Golden-crowned  kinglet. 

An  abundant  transient  visitant.     Occasionally  found 
in  winter.      Arrives  about  April  10.     Departs  about  May  7. 

185.  (749)     Regulus  calendula     (Linn.). 

Ruby-crowned  kinglet. 

Common  during  spring  migrations.      Arrives  about 
April  14.     Departs  about  May  1st. 

Family     TURDIDAE    (Thrushes,  stone-chats,  blue-birds,  etc.) 

186.  (755)     Hylocichla  mustelina     (Gmel.). 

Wood  thrush. 

Common  summer  resident.     Breeds.     Arrives  about 
May  15. 

187.  (756)     Hylocichla  fuscescens    (Steph.). 

Wilson's  thrush. 

Common  summer  resident.     Breeds.     Arrives  about 
May  10. 


3959 1 1 


34  BIRDS    OF    MADISON    COUNTY 

188.  (758a)  Hylocichla  ustulata  swainsonii  (Cab.). 

Olive-backed  thrush. 

Fairly  common  during  spring  and  fall  migrations. 
Arrives  about  May  10. 

189.  (759b)  Hylocichla  aonalaschkae  pallasii    (Cab.). 

Hermit  thrush. 

Transient  visitant.     Common.       Arrives  about  May 
1st.     Departs  about  15th. 

190.  (761)     Merula  migratoria    (Linn.). 

American  robin. 

An   abundant  summer  resident.     Breeds.      Arrives 
the  latter  part  of  March.     Departs  late  in  October. 

191.  (766)     Sialiasialis     (Linn.). 

Bluebird. 

An  abundant  summer  resident.       Breeds.       Arrives 
about  April  1st.     Departs  the  first  of  November. 

Passer  domesticus. 

English  sparrow. 

An  abundant  pest.     Breeds. 


HYPOTHETICAL  LIST 

This  list  includes  several  species  of  which  we  have  no  satisfac- 
tory record.  But  having  been  recorded  in  adjoining  counties, 
they  may  be  be  looked  for  in  Madison  county. 

1.  (64)     Sterna  hirundo    Linn. 

Common  tern. 

Taken  on  Oneida  Lake.     *R.  and  B.  List.  p.  104. 

2.  (74)     Sterna  antillarum     (Less.). 

Least  tern. 

Taken  at  New  Hartford.      R.  and  B.  List  p.  104. 

3.  (119)     Phalacrocorax  carbo    (Linn.). 

Cormorant. 

Taken  on  Oneida  Lake.      R.  and  B.  List  p.  105. 

4.  (137)     Mareca  americana    (Gmel.) 

Baldpate. 

Common  transient  visitant  in  Oneida  county.  R.  and 
B.,  p.  106. 

5.  (270)    Squatarola  squatarola    (Linn.) 

Black-bellied  plover. 

Not  uncommon  transient  visitant  at  Oneida  Lake. 

6.  (347a)  Archibuteo  lagopus  sancti-johannis    (Gmel.) 

American  rough-legged  hawk. 

This  species  is  not  uncommon  in  most  of  the  counties 
of  central  New  York,  but  the  writer  has  failed  to  find  a  record  for 
Madison  county. 

7.  (400)     Picoides  arcticus     (Swains.) 

Arctic  three-toed  woodpecker. 

Winter  visitant  in  Onondaga  and  Oneida  counties. 

8.  (401)     Picoides  americanus    Brehm. 

American  three-toed  woodpecker. 
"A  not  uncommon  resident  in  Herkimer  and  Hamil- 
ton counties."     R.  &  B.  p.  123. 

*  Birds  of  Oneida  County.  By  Wm.  L.  Ralph,  M.  D.  and  Egbert  Bagg,  from  the  Transactions 
of  the  Oneida  Historical  Society,  Vol.  Ill,  P.  101.  Utica,  N.  Y.,  1886. 


36  BIRDS    OF   MADISON    COUNTY 

9.  (417)     Antrostomus  vociferus     (Wils.). 

Whip-poor-will. 

Has  been  taken  in  adjacent  counties. 

10.  (459)     Contopus  borealis    (Swains.) 

Olive-sided  flycatcher. 

Has  been  taken  in  the  counties  of  Cayuga,  Onondaga, 
Oneida  and  Herkimer.  According  to  Dr.  Merriam,  it  breeds  in 
Herkimer  county. 

11.  (484)    Perisoreus  canadensis    (Linn.). 

Canada  jay. 

"Common  resident  in  Herkimer  and  Hamilton 
counties."  R.  &  B.  p.  127. 

12.  (583)     Melospiza  lincolnii    (Aud.). 

Lincoln's  sparrow. 

"Summer  resident  in  Herkimer  and  Hamilton 
counties,  where  it  breeds."  "A  rather  rare  migrant  in  Oneida 
county."  R.  &  B.  p.  132. 

13.  (629)     Vireo  solitarius    (Wils.). 

Blue-headed  vireo. 

Transient  visitant.  Seen  occasionally  in  Oneida 
county.  R.  &  B.  List.  p.  136. 

14.  (672)     Dendroica  palmarum     (Gmel.). 

Palm  warbler. 

"Occurs  during  migrations"  in  Oneida  county. 
(Merriam)  R.  &  B.  p.  140. 

15.  (740)     Parus  hudsonicus     Forst. 

Hudsonian  chickadee. 

This  species  has  been  found  breeding  in  Herkimer 
and  Oneida  counties  (Merriam.)  R.  &  B.  p.  145. 

16.  (757)    Hylocichla  aliciae    (Baird). 

Gray-cheeked  thrush. 

A  transient  visitant  in  Oneida  and  Herkimer  coun- 
ties. (Merriam.)  R.  &  B.  p.  146. 


2490        7  / 


UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA  LIBRARY 

Los  Angeles 
This  book  is  DUE  on  the  last  date  stamped  below. 


Form  L9-25r/i-9,'47  ( A5618 )  444 


UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA 

AT 


QL 

684   Embody  - 
N7E5  Bir4s  of  Madison 
county  • 


REGIONAL  LIBRARY  FA 


A     000  872  405     6 


684 

N7E5 


